An Open Letter to Women in the Mining Industry

It’s time we have a candid conversation about how we interact with and support each other within our field. We need to move beyond the competition and rivalry that have historically plagued our relationships and embrace a culture of mutual support and collaboration.

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The belief that success necessitates enduring the same hardships or adopting patriarchal strategies is ingrained in us. We've been conditioned to think that in order to succeed, we must 'play the game' like men, vying for attention and respect in a male-dominated industry. But this approach isn't working. Instead of fostering solidarity, it often pits us against each other, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that women in mining are catty, competitive, and unsupportive.

This has to change. We must fully lean into supporting each other, promoting each other, and lifting each other up. Our industry is challenging enough without the added pressure of internal competition. The reality is that we all belong here. Together, we can create a mining industry that is welcoming, warm, and safe for all women, regardless of our different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

I have heard countless stories of women who have been wholeheartedly supported by their male counterparts and have benefitted from male mentors and sponsors. Yet, the hardest challenges often arise from relationships with other women. This shouldn’t be the case. We need to change the narrative and build stronger, more supportive networks among ourselves.

The pie is big enough for everyone. There is space for all of us to thrive. By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support, we can ensure that the next generation of women in mining enters an industry that is more inclusive, equitable, and supportive.

Let's commit to uplifting one another. Let's be each other's advocates and allies. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for women in mining.

We can do it,

[Book Review] Josie Cox: Women, Money, Power

This summer, I set a goal to find time to read again. Between returning to full-time work and raising my eight-month-old daughter and eight-year-old son, finding time to sit and read for more than a few minutes each day has been a challenge. However, I made an exception for Josie Cox's Women, Money, Power, a book I devoured in just a few short days.

Why was this book so captivating? Because it tells the powerful story of women’s wealth and economic evolution in the United States, with insights that touch on global impacts, spanning from the late 1800s to the present day. It delves into the lives of women we’ve all heard of—those we admire for their courage and determination to push forward the fight for women’s rights and equality.

What struck me most about this book was how it brought to life the saying, "standing on the shoulders of the women before me." Cox masterfully builds a narrative that honors both the well-known and the unsung women in history who took risks, challenged the patriarchy, and created a better future for all of us.

The book also highlighted a staggering fact: women did not have access to their own wealth outside of their fathers or husbands until the 1970s and 80s. It’s hard to believe that until just a few decades ago, women couldn’t open a bank account, access a credit card, or make major financial decisions without a male family member’s signature. I was born in the 1980s—let that sink in.

The struggle for economic equality doesn’t stop there. Women have been alternately catapulted into and retracted from the workforce, starting with the Rosie the Riveters during World War II and being thrust back into the role of housewife after the war ended, often without the option to choose. Regaining that level of workforce representation has been a battle, fraught with endless hurdles, including a lack of protection against harassment until the late 1980s. Again, I was born in 1987.

One of the book’s most powerful themes is that when women have the power to make choices, innovate, or access wealth and capital, they often use it to improve situations for everyone. This reinforces the critical need for women to generate their own wealth and participate in areas traditionally dominated by men.

The mining world is no exception. While women are increasingly visible in mining through employment opportunities, they are still underrepresented as major investors. The energy transition presents an incredible opportunity for women to create wealth for themselves and their families. It’s not just about making money—it’s about shaping the future of an industry crucial to the global economy and the sustainability of our planet.

Women have the right to be wealthy, and the energy transition is a pathway to achieving this. By increasing our participation in mining investments, we can help drive innovation, create more inclusive workplaces, and ensure that the benefits of this critical sector are shared more equitably. It’s time for women to step into these roles and claim their place in shaping the future of mining—and by extension, the world.

Let’s take the lessons from Women, Money, Power to heart and make sure we are not just part of the conversation but leading it. The future of mining, and our collective prosperity, depends on it.

The Journey Within: Cultivating Self-Awareness for Authentic Branding

Personal branding—have you ever considered what your brand is? Whether or not you have thought about it, you have one. It's the essence of who you are, how you conduct yourself in life, and the context of your job.

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Why is this important?

Think of any brand, even the one you are working for now, and how you recognize the company to which the brand belongs. A brand is the overarching concept of the organization, the visual and communicative depiction of the business.  A brand communicates why the organization is in business, what it desires to achieve and how it will meet its goals.  Going further, a well-executed brand encompasses the organization’s culture and values of talent.  Ultimately, the hallmark of a successful career is the alignment of your brand with the organizations you work for.  It’s the baseline of the ever-popular characteristic of “cultural fit.”

We don't typically think we have or need a brand as individuals. Yet, when you examine the idea of personal branding, you realize that you are bigger than what you do for a living. Your brand is intrinsically tied to your whole self, for when you communicate and move through this world, whether in business or other settings, you continuously embody your brand.

At some point in your life, you will look for a role and need to articulate how you work and what makes you different. Your differentiation makes you unique, and how that uniqueness is the thread throughout all facets of your life. This is why personal branding is essential.

The Role of Introspection and Self-Awareness

I often discuss authenticity and introspection, two qualities that define our most relatable, respected, and successful leaders. Authenticity is a result of introspection. Once leaders can look inward to understand themselves, their responses, and their ability to respond to people and dilemmas, authenticity emerges and empowers them.

Introspection, the practice of looking inward and naming feelings and responses, plays a crucial role in personal branding. Some people are naturally reflective and have a high emotional intelligence tied to conceptual thinking, but for others, introspection will need to be taught and cultivated over time. For both types, introspection is a practice rooted in self-awareness, a key component of personal branding.

Once you have self-awareness, you can understand the “why” of “how” you work. This understanding of your work style and your response to opportunities or challenges is the foundation of your brand, as it helps you recognize your unique value and the organizational culture in which you excel, setting you apart from your peers.

How Does Introspection Happen?

In short, introspection doesn’t “just” happen.  If it were that easy, we all would have the immediate response to questions such as “Why did you do that?” or “What is your purpose?”.  For many, the ability to look inward may never fully transpire; for others, it is a lifelong journey of thought.

Ultimately, you need an advanced understanding of your feelings and responses; various pathways can help you achieve this. The path you choose will be deeply personal. Some journal, others meditate, and many do yoga. My personal favourites are yoga nidra, writing, and therapy. These interconnected paths are critical to my introspective journey, which has been a focus for the last five years.

Yoga nidra and writing create processes for inward examination. When one does yoga nidra, the session lead takes the practitioner on a journey of the self. Writing acts as a journalling tool to build time for reflection. With therapy, I have found mirroring to be the most helpful technique. Mirroring occurs when my therapist mimics me and reflects the skills that she sees, which I may not, helping me to see strengths that were previously invisible.

Within Femina Collective, we have unintentionally worked on our branding by working with Dian Gies on her Wellness Wakeup Challenge.  Diane delivered the program to members through cohort-based facilitation based on mediation and journaling, and we deeply benefited from community support and encouragement.  The safe space Femina had previously cultivated resulted in authentic and open sharing, tears, and exceptional peace.

How Has Introspection Benefitted Me?

Through these years, I have found myself working on anger, the inability to vocalize feelings, and coming to terms with actions taken when I wasn’t being authentic to myself.  If you had asked me what my brand was three years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you.  I had no “why” behind my work or how I might differentiate myself, negatively impacting my confidence and work.  In the last year, my brand has solidified as I worked with organizations aligned with my values and built my voice in the mining sector.

I am now clear on my brand.  I have four distinct words that anchor my brand and have built a creative expression of how my brand is communicated.  Here is the beauty of branding: as you evolve, your brand grows and changes with you. You are not static, so your brand is not expected to stay static.  Your differentiation and uniqueness evolve as you grow in life and your career.

Common Leadership Challenges in Mining

How Femina Collective Supports Women in Overcoming Them

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The mining industry is a dynamic and demanding sector that presents leaders with complex challenges, ranging from managing operational risks to navigating ever-changing regulatory frameworks and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations. For women in leadership roles, these challenges are often compounded by unique barriers, such as gender bias, limited access to mentorship, and the pressure to prove oneself in a traditionally male-dominated field.

The Leadership Challenges Women Face in Mining

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Despite progress, the mining industry remains largely male-dominated, with women underrepresented at senior levels. Female leaders often find themselves as the only women in the room, making it difficult to build networks, influence decisions, or access the informal mentoring that their male counterparts might receive. This isolation can hinder career advancement and make it harder to assert authority.

Balancing ESG Expectations: ESG has become a focal point in mining, with companies under increasing scrutiny to ensure their operations meet high environmental and social standards. Women in leadership positions are often expected to spearhead these initiatives, navigating complex stakeholder demands, including communities, governments, and investors. The challenge lies not only in meeting these diverse expectations but also in ensuring that companies stay profitable and competitive while doing so.

Lack of Mentorship and Support Networks: Access to mentorship is critical for leadership development, yet many women in mining struggle to find role models or sponsors who can offer guidance. This lack of support can slow career progression and leave women feeling disconnected from the broader leadership community. Without strong networks, women may also find it challenging to advocate for themselves or open doors to new opportunities.

Work-Life Balance and Leadership Roles: Leadership roles in mining often demand long hours, frequent travel, and high-pressure decision-making. For women, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, finding a sustainable work-life balance can be one of the toughest challenges. The lack of flexibility in many leadership roles can create barriers for women who are trying to advance their careers while managing personal commitments.

How Femina Collective Supports Women in Mining Leadership

Femina Collective was founded with a clear mission: to empower and support women in leadership roles within industries like mining. By offering a holistic approach that addresses both professional and personal development, Femina Collective provides women with the tools they need to overcome these unique leadership challenges. Here's how:

Building a Supportive Community: One of the core pillars of Femina Collective is creating a strong, supportive network of women leaders. Through membership and events, women in mining can connect with like-minded professionals who understand their challenges and can offer valuable insights, advice, and support. This sense of community helps break down the isolation many women experience in leadership roles and provides a space for authentic connections.

Leadership Development and Coaching: Femina Collective offers tailored coaching and leadership development programs designed to address the specific challenges women face in mining. Through one-on-one coaching and group workshops, women can work on building the confidence, negotiation skills, and resilience they need to succeed in a demanding environment. Whether it’s tackling imposter syndrome or honing strategic decision-making skills, Femina Collective ensures women have access to expert guidance

Fostering ESG Leadership: Femina Collective recognizes the increasing role women play in advancing ESG within the mining industry. The collective offers training and resources that help women lead in this space with confidence, ensuring they are well-versed in best practices for sustainability, governance, and social responsibility. With ESG becoming a critical element of mining operations, these skills are essential for women leaders who want to drive impactful change in their organizations.

Balancing Career and Life: Understanding the challenges women face in balancing their professional and personal lives, Femina Collective focuses on offering solutions that support work-life integration. Through discussions, coaching, and peer support, women leaders can explore strategies for managing career progression while balancing personal responsibilities, ensuring they can excel in leadership without sacrificing their well-being.

Advocating for Representation and Diversity: Femina Collective is committed to amplifying the voices of women in mining leadership and advocating for greater representation at all levels. By fostering a community that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives, the collective empowers women to advocate for themselves and others, pushing for systemic changes that promote gender equity across the industry.

Leadership in mining is not without its hurdles, but with the right support and resources, women can thrive and make significant contributions to the industry. Femina Collective offers a unique, comprehensive platform that helps women navigate the complexities of leadership while building confidence, skills, and connections that will carry them throughout their careers. By addressing both the professional and personal aspects of leadership, Femina Collective is helping to shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for women in mining.

How Women Can Mitigate Risks in Mining

It has been great to see the world of Sustainability and ESG continue to take up more and more space in the mining sector as we watch the timelines and acceleration towards the energy transition around the globe.

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The more I think about the pressing priorities in mining, the more I see the link between the need for innovation and new ways of operating and the need to provide more opportunities for women to work within the industry. This in itself requires innovation because women are crucial to this transformation for several reasons.

Risk One: Access to Capital and Financing

One of the significant challenges in mining is securing capital and financing for projects. As global economies fluctuate, capital flows in waves, presenting an opportunity for women to step up as influential investors. Within Canada alone, women are expected to inherit $12 trillion by 2026, a phenomenon known as The Great Wealth Transfer (source: Ms. Money and Math). This puts women in a powerful position to drive investment decisions and support projects that align with sustainability and ESG goals. Currently, women hold roughly 32% of global wealth, and I believe that by providing women with greater opportunities in investment opportunities that have been predominately owned by men, we have an opportunity to equal that wealth disbursement.

Risk Two: Leadership and Executive Roles

For mining to truly evolve, we need more women in c-suite and executive roles. We have said this for years, yet have not seen enough progress. This requires rethinking the traditional mining schedules and expectations, making them adaptable to the multiple responsibilities women often carry. We've seen companies test out co-leadership roles, or provide 24/7 daycare centres on site. Although every idea may not work, we need to keep trying to bring scalable ideas forward. It is also important for women to form communities within the mining sector and to have spaces where they can connect with colleagues, prioritizing both their professional and personal growth. These supportive environments enable women to execute leadership roles to the best of their abilities as their authentic selves. By changing the experience women have in mining and fostering a supportive environment, we can attract and retain more female leaders who can bring fresh perspectives and drive innovation.

Risk Three: Recruitment and Retention

Recruiting and retaining women through various life transitions is another critical area. Women need to see themselves in the industry, which means we need more female representation at all levels. Women also need to see other women thriving when returning from prolonged leave or parental leave. We know this is a critical time for women to fall away from the industry and seeing successful reintegration is key for bringing women back safely. Mining must be perceived as a safe and welcoming environment for women to consider it a viable career choice. This shift in perception is essential for attracting a diverse talent pool that can contribute to the sector's growth and innovation.

Risk Four: Social Risk and Community Engagement

Increasing the focus on social risk, particularly through the participation of Indigenous stakeholders in mining projects, is crucial. Indigenous Nations are among the most impacted by mining activities and should be engaged as partners rather than mere consultees. Along with Indigenous rights, communities at large need to be where mining projects begin and end. Community participation and buy-in must involve community members from the beginning of a project. This means including minority groups within communities, often women and youth. By allowing space for women's voices, we can ensure that greater community well-being is taken into account, leading to more sustainable and socially responsible mining practices.

Risk Five: Shifting Power and Perception

A significant shift in power and perception is occurring as mining transitions from being the main actor in its ecosystem to a crucial player in the energy transition supply chain. This shift means mining companies must adapt to serving the broader goals of energy transition, rather than operating in isolation. Women can play a pivotal role in this transformation, bringing new ideas and approaches to integrate mining more effectively into the energy transition landscape.

What Can We Do

Addressing these multiple intersections in mining offers an opportunity to shake up and transform the industry. Women's participation is not just beneficial; it is essential for accelerating the energy transition and ensuring the sustainable development of critical minerals.

How can we collectively create more opportunities and a more supportive environment for women in the mining sector to accelerate our journey towards a sustainable energy future?

Your thoughts and perspectives are invaluable as we work together to reshape the future of mining.

Reflecting on a Year Away: A Journey Toward Balance and Fulfillment

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Just over a year ago, I made the difficult decision to step away from the financial security and prestige of an executive role in mining. I left behind the Bay Street office with its stunning lake views, the artwork adorning the walls, and the closet full of blazers and high heels. I stepped away from a brilliant team with big visions and an incredible assistant who kept my life seamlessly organized. It was a challenging and painful decision and, in some ways, a real blow to my ego, but change was necessary.

Over the past year, I've embarked on a journey of detoxing from corporate burn-out culture, leading to a life that feels complete and more balanced than ever. Here’s what I’ve learned:

The Panic of Not Being Burnt Out Is Real: My body and mind were so accustomed to operating at full capacity that the absence of constant stress left me disoriented. It took months for my nervous system to settle and for me to feel normal again. As someone who prides myself on being 'high capacity', I didn't realize the level of stress I was carrying and living every day until it was gone.

The Power of Saying No: I learned the importance of protecting my time and energy. Saying no to things that did not align with my personal or professional goals helped me preserve time for family and friends and reduce unnecessary travel. It also gave my brain the ability to dream, create, and rest.

Financial Independence: It took time to detach my sense of worth from my job title and salary. I discovered that money can indeed be made outside of the corporate sphere and that my value is not tied to a position, or people's perception of what role I held.

Working Smarter: I've embraced working with projects and groups that resonate with my core values. I've learned that it's okay to walk away from situations and opportunities that feel misaligned or unfulfilling. I have one life to live, and I am committed to living it to the fullest.

This journey has led me to a place of daily joy and peace, where gratitude replaces panic. I am able to contribute to the mining industry, leveraging my influence in ways that align with my newfound values, and support women who are in need of rest and community.

While there are aspects of corporate life I miss, such as leading teams and setting strategies, I am not willing to compromise what I’ve gained this past year to return to just any role. My life now includes spending more time than ever with my children and husband, growing Femina Collective, starting a private investment club, and supporting initiatives like IRMA. These aren't passive activities; they are active choices that bring immense value to my life.

Its hard to hear so many women describe their overwhelming busyness, placing their roles above their health, families, and friends. I'm here to tell you—it doesn't have to be that way. Life can be rich and fulfilling on all fronts, and my last year is a testament to that possibility. Here’s to more women finding their path to balance and fulfillment in whatever role and capacity gives the most joy and fulfillment.

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Listen on The Rebuild Podcast: Carmen and Beth discuss the positive outcomes of going through a rebuilding period in their lives. They share their personal experiences and insights on how to navigate a rebuild and create success. They emphasize the importance of self-trust, intentionality, and exploring desires. They also discuss the freedom and control that comes with aligning with one's purpose and building a business.

Embracing Authenticity in Mining and Addressing the F-Word

Recently, I had a thought-provoking conversation with a friend and coach about a mantra they often share with their clients to encourage living an authentic life: "nothing to hide, nothing to defend, and nothing to prove." This powerful idea promotes a sense of freedom and self-assurance that many strive to achieve in both personal and professional settings.

However, my friend recently met with several women working in the mining sector and shared a profound realization: "I have been sharing this mantra for years and working with women to live their authentic selves all the time, and after speaking with these women, I realize this is impossible to do in their jobs."

As we discussed this, I found myself nodding in agreement. Women in mining, especially as they advance to more senior positions, still face the very challenges this mantra seeks to overcome. They continually feel the need to prove their worth, defend their positions, and hide their more feminine leadership qualities to fit in. The pressure to don a metaphorical armour to secure and maintain their rightful roles is immense, making it incredibly difficult to show up authentically and feel accepted.

The Role of Feminism in Mining

Feminism has an essential place in the mining sector because it advocates for equality and equity for everyone. While progress is being made and women are becoming more visible in various roles within mining, the overall statistics still reflect slow movement. In Canada, women represent about 17% of the mining workforce, and globally, the numbers hover between 12-14%. Although we celebrate even a 1% increase as a step forward, we must ask ourselves if this incremental progress is truly sufficient.

The Persistent Barriers

The barriers women face in mining are no longer surprising. The industry's culture often requires women to conform to traditional, male-dominated norms to be accepted and advance in their careers. This necessity to continuously prove oneself, defend one's position, and hide one's authentic self perpetuates a cycle that hinders genuine progress toward gender equity.

Moving Forward

To foster a truly inclusive environment, the mining sector must embrace feminist principles and actively work towards dismantling these barriers. This means creating spaces where women can lead with authenticity, where their contributions are valued without the need for constant justification, and where diverse leadership styles are recognized as strengths rather than liabilities.

To Sum It Up

As we continue to push for equality in the mining sector, let us remember that authenticity should not be a luxury but a fundamental right. By challenging the status quo and advocating for systemic changes, we can move closer to a future where everyone in mining, regardless of gender, can live and work authentically, with nothing to hide, nothing to defend, and nothing to prove.

The Unseen Battle: A Collective Voice Against Silence

One of the biggest challenges in male-dominated industries is understanding how women and gender-diverse people move through them.  Whether it is the military, infrastructure, politics, or mining, we are only just beginning to authentically enter spaces that were previously inaccessible.  

These successes should be celebrated.  

Yet, for each success, there is a struggle.  These struggles are often untold for fear of not being believed, upsetting the status quo, or career suicide.  The Femina Collective took the last year to interview the women of mining to understand how we move through mining, what we experience and or our own misbehaviour.  

We appreciate your time in reading our stories to understand our experiences.

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Anonymous: The Illusion of Support

“When I stepped forward, I was under the impression that by sharing there would be change, that the board of directors would stand by me. Instead, I found myself ostracized, treated as a contagion to be eradicated. It was a harsh awakening to the reality that, despite thinking I was one of the 'lucky' ones who thought they would be supported, belief and action were far from what I received. It's a cruel irony – we are expected to come forward, yet when we do, the system turns its back on us, protecting itself and the perpetrators at any cost.”

Anonymous: The Hypocrisy of Advocacy

“The discourse around feminism and ‘women supporting women’ often masks a bitter hypocrisy. Behind the scenes the same women shouting these slogans are making deals, protecting reputations of perpetrators, and financial interests are prioritized over integrity. I’ve seen men and women who’ve built reputations as allies and advocates, yet when confronted with the opportunity to act, they choose self-preservation, leaving those who dare to speak out exposed to further harm. This duplicity not only undermines the movement for change but also deepens the wounds of those who have suffered.”

Anonymous: The Cost of Bravery

“No one steps forward with the desire to end their career or engage in a battle with powerful entities. Our decision to come forward is made with eyes wide open, fully aware of the personal and professional costs. Yet, we persist, fueled by the hope that someday, our courage will be met with justice, that our voices will be matched by actions that hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of the financial implications. This system, designed to protect the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable, must be challenged.”

Anonymous: The Reality of Retaliation

“The immediate response to my speaking out was gaslighting and intimidation, an attempt to discredit my experiences as fabrications for personal gain. The insinuation that my ability to continue living, meant I was unaffected and making the whole thing up, only added insult to injury. It’s a stark reminder of the twisted logic used to silence and discredit survivors, further victimizing those who dare to come forward.”

Anonymous: The Family Consideration

“Choosing to speak out wasn’t a decision I could make lightly, knowing all too well the repercussions it would have not just on me, but on my family. The fear of unemployment, the uncertainty of a sham investigation, and the isolation from a workplace that had been a significant part of my life, were burdens too heavy to bear alone. Yet, it was a step I felt compelled to take, despite the daunting reality of the system’s bias against women like me.”

Anonymous: Betrayal Among Women

“Perhaps the most painful part of coming forward is facing the reaction from other women. The dismissive attitudes, the lack of support, and, worst of all, the betrayal when they side with the perpetrator. This abandonment stings deeply, highlighting a divide that should not exist. We expect solidarity, yet find ourselves more isolated by those who should understand our struggle the most.”

Anonymous: The Way I Treated Women

“One of the pieces that I am now coming to terms with is my own behaviour towards other women.  As I was progressing through a large, global organization, it became clear that there were limited opportunities for women, either through direct discourse or by seeing the lack of diversity in leadership.  Oftentimes, alliances were built and those who were excluded from alliances were treated poorly. While the environment of scarcity was created by the organization, I have had to examine my behaviour and how destructive it was.  The guilt I feel regularly shows up as a lack of trust of women and I have had to actively work to dismantle my guilt while rebuilding relationships.  I have begun to focus on building an environment of abundance and building trust with myself and others.  The sad part is, I have been the perpetrator of irreparable damage with former colleagues.”

Anonymous: Playing The Game

“As my career began to grow, it became clear that I had to play the game to get ahead.  Drinking too much at conferences, toeing the line of being friendly or flirty, these were expectations of women within my organization.  The longer I stayed, the more I had to come to terms with my behaviour, until I had to make a choice.  I could stay and be someone I no longer recognized in an organization that didn’t match my values, or leave for the sake of my own physical and mental health.  In the end, I left and for this I am thankful, but I had to learn that organizational loyalty at all costs was a false ideal.”

Conclusion: Healing 

Through these diverse yet interconnected stories, the stark reality of the systemic failings and the personal cost of fighting against harassment, bullying, and misconduct comes to light. Each narrative underscores the urgent need for systemic change, not just in policies but in the very culture that perpetuates silence and complicity. 

The light at the end of the tunnel is healing.  Space from the situation and talking can help, but many women have found that connecting through community is important to their healing process.  These women come to understand that they are not alone, that unfortunately, their struggles are shared with others.  Finding a safe space can be critical to finding peace, forgiveness, and build a healthy life.

The Femina Collective was created on the foundation of shared experience. We work to radically change women's experience of natural resources, and part of that is understanding the hurt, shame, and sadness that some women feel. We then work with you to help you heal, create a life you love, and celebrate. 

Your experiences shape you, but don’t define you.  Join us.